Sorry to hear about your pops. I can think of my own singing old scots and irish ballads. He died last year. It's these songs that help keep them alive. This doesnt get easier you just get stronger Much love
I was familiar with the Irish Rovers' version of the song. Same music, same story, but almost every verse has slightly different words. The energy Luke Kelly puts into each song is amazing.
Yeah, it's obvious though that he's about to probably feed himself those drinks, and not some pretty Colleen. He also doesn't have to worry about being transported to Australia in a convict ship, like the poor fella in the song, if he does get to messed up.
FOR those that want to sing along; Lyrics In a neat little town they call Belfast Apprentice to a trade I was bound And many's an hour's sweet happiness Have I spent in this neat little town. A sad misfortune came over me Which caused me to stray from the land Far away from my friends and relations Betrayed by the black velvet band. Her eyes they shone like diamonds I thought her the queen of the land And her hair hung over her shoulders Tied up with a black velvet band. I took a stroll down Broadway Meaning not long for to stay When who should I meet but this pretty fair maid Came a traipsing along the highway She was both fair and handsome Her neck it was just like a swans' And her hair is hung over her shoulder Tied up with a black velvet band. Her eyes they shone like diamonds I thought her the queen of the land And her hair hung over her shoulders Tied up with a black velvet band. I took a stroll with this pretty fair maid And the gentleman passing us by Well I knew she meant the doing of him By the look in her roguish black eye A gold watch she took from his pocket And placed it right into my hand And the very first thing I said was Bad 'cess to the black velvet band. Her eyes they shone like diamonds I thought her the queen of the land And her hair hung over her shoulders Tied up with a black velvet band. Before the judge and the jury Next morning I had to appear And the judge he said to me 'Young man Your case is proven clear' We'll give you seven years penal servitude To be spent far away from the land Far away from your friends and companions Betrayed by the black velvet band. Her eyes they shone like diamonds I thought her the queen of the land And her hair hung over her shoulders Tied up with a black velvet band.
Last several days I keep returning and listening to this song, and Luke's unbelievable charismatic performance... Look at the audience, look at the musicians.... Looks like they are all captured together in some sort of paradise. Pure magic of the real art.
My mother the same We would come back from MASS on Sunday would hear tbe Rebel Songs down THE street My Father would run in THE house to shut THE Windows FROM the English Neighbours Sending you love and STRENGTH from IRELAND 🍀xxx
I first heard this song performed by my friend Gareth Davies Jones. Lovely song , much love for the Irish people, they make great friends in my experience ❤️✝️🙏
In such a sad time, it's good to remember that we are the not the first to suffer and many come before us. The worst part is that many will come after us. Your music is a tonic.
I took a trip to Dublin, then North to Belfast and the north coast, was an amazing trip. The people were very pleasant and friendly in both the Republic and the North, Dublin and Belfast were different and had their own unique charms. The countryside was shades of green I've never seen with my own eyes before, and I go to see Cerrick Castle and Malahide. What a wonderful experience and I encourage those to take a trip if you can. I'm from the US of Greek descent, most of my friends are of Irish ancestry so I grew up hearing about their family stories, but didn't expect to be so impressed with Ireland. A complex and fascinating history, very kind but very tough people, great sense of humor, witty. I'd love to see Cork, or head to Clare and Tipperary counties and see the Rock of Cashel. Thank you to Ireland for a wonderful trip I won't forget!
I first heard this song when I was about fifteen. I'm seventy three now and in all my writings I still refer to pretty girls having hair 'tied up with a black velvet band.' I'm sure most people don't have a clue what I'm talking about.
Yeah, I am Irish. Lived here my whole life. You don’t need to explain to me about the north. But seriously, listening to and enjoying a song is nothing to do with religion. The song has no reference to the troubles and making any song by an Irish person about religion makes out there is nothing to Ireland but the fight for freedom. Ignores the fact the country is no longer Catholic, the troubles have ended-ish, a border poll is being discussed to bring about a united Ireland. Honestly, songs can be listened to regardless of religion.
you either listen to Irish traditional music or you don't absolutely nothing to do with being Catholic or Protestant, I bet there wasn't a religious poll carried out before this gig. Ridiculous statement, I am not a Catholic but I have listened to, loved groups like this and Chieftains etc for decades, I have even played the Bodhran in groups that play such music.Every song has a story. Brilliant.
